Admission

We invite you to apply to our Summer, Fall or Spring terms for the MSW program. Once we receive all required application materials, applicants can expect a decision within 10 days. Please note that decisions may take longer during busy periods. Early applications are strongly encouraged. To apply to the MSW program, please submit the following:

A Completed Application FormYou may submit your application form online, follow the application link: gpem.luc.edu/apply/.Note: Students who have already applied to a graduate or professional program at Loyola University Chicago should fill out the reapplication form.

Official TranscriptsApplicants must submit official transcripts for all undergraduate and any graduate work. To be eligible for admission, your transcript must show an earned bachelor's degree or a bachelor's degree in progress. Certified copies of transcripts are acceptable; faxed copies of transcripts are not considered official. If you attended Loyola University Chicago previously, you do not need to request these transcripts; we have them on record. Official Electronic Transcripts may be delivered directly to Graduate & Professional Enrollment Management atgradapp@luc.edu.

Two Letters of RecommendationTwo letters of recommendation are required to apply for the MSW program. Three letters are recommended.

We ask that you submit no more than three letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters can come from academic, professional or volunteer sources. One of each is recommended. If you graduated less than 5 years ago, at least one reference should be from an academic source.

A Statement of PurposeThe personal statement component of your application to the MSW Program at Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work will be used to assess your writing, critical thinking, and capacity for self-awareness in terms of readiness for graduate level work and supervised practice in the field.

The personal statement must be a comprehensive essay that addresses all the questions posed in the three topics below. You should submit one well-developed 1500 word, double spaced personal statement.

Topic 1: Describe your understanding of the social work profession. How have you incorporated the values of service and social justice (held by the profession) in your human service experiences and interactions with others?

Topic 2: Discuss your career interests and goals. What population(s) or area(s) of social work practice most interests you? How will a social work education from Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work prepare you for work in your area of interest? What do you hope to accomplish with an MSW?

Topic 3: Discuss your decision to pursue a graduate program now. What personal and/or professional factors have led you to want to pursue an MSW. How do you plan to balance the academic and field responsibilities of the program with outside responsibilities and obligations? How will you finance your studies?

If you are a transfer student currently or have previously enrolled in a MSW program elsewhere, please also address your motivation for transferring to Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work.

CV/Resume

Additional Program Requirements

School Social Work: Students interested in specializing in school social work and wishing to obtain the Professional Educator License must apply to the Fall term and must submit passing TAP test scores with their application materials. Please review the TAP test requirements for the school social work track here.

Student Spotlight

Rebecca Witheridge is serious about school and service. As a graduate student, Witheridge carries a perfect 4.0 GPA and leads tutoring sessions for her fellow classmates. Outside of her busy school schedule, she works with young people at the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.